IceHogs News

Kyle Greentree was the only goal scorer in Rockford's 2-1 loss to Manitoba on Wednesday. (photo by Greg Hamil)

Hogs finish 2-3-1-0 in six-game home stand

Rockford, Ill.- For the third straight game, the Rockford IceHogs put 40 or more shots on goal, but couldn't manage a win against the Manitoba Moose on Wednesday at the Rockford MetroCentre.

The Hogs fell 2-1 after giving up two goals in the third period.

"Any goalie that's in there, we know we have to throw pucks at him," said Kyle Greentree, who scored Rockford's only goal. "If you're a goalie in this league, you're pretty good, so we just have to keep throwing pucks at the net and good things will happen."

After a scoreless first period, Greentree pounded home the puck on the doorstep at 13:42 in the second frame with assists from Jack Skille and Brian Connelly. The league's second-most prolific goal scorer in 2008-09 recorded his second goal of the season and first in nine games.

"I've been struggling a little bit and it feels good to get a bounce and have it go in," he said. "But I'd rather have a win than get a goal."

In the third on a Manitoba power play, Dan Sexton picked off an IceHogs pass and dished to Matt Pettinger, who sniped the corner of the goal at 8:01.

And at 11:43, Pettinger tipped in another goal to give Manitoba the lead. Brian Salcido got the helper.

"We have to keep shooting and getting guys to the net," Greentree said. "We're a bit frustrated but at the same time, when youre throwing that many pucks, something's bound to go in. If we can generate 40 shots, we're going to create some opportunities."

Manitoba's Cory Schneider stopped 39 in the win, while Alec Richards has 19 saves in his American Hockey League debut.

"(Richards) looked really good, he was sharp," Greentree said. "Both of our goalies, when they're on, they give us a shot. He was good tonight."

Rockford's power play was 0-for-2 and Manitoba finished 1-for-5.

Next Home Game:Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009 vs. Abbotsford Heat. The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m. The Hogs and Heat close out the season series with their fourth meeting in 2009-10. The first 1,500 fans in the building will pick up a Jack Skille poster courtesy of Pepsi, FOX 39 and ESPN 1380.